Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS A NATIONAL MONUMENT?
National monuments are designated by the President or Congress to permanently protect federal lands and waters with cultural, historic, ecological, and scientific values. Chuckwalla National Monument reaches from the Coachella Valley region in the west to near the Colorado River in the east. The monument honors Tribal sovereignty, boosts the local economy, protects places where people hike, camp, and drive off-highway vehicles, and preserves the area’s military history.
WHO MANAGES NATIONAL MONUMENTS?
National monuments can be managed by one or more federal agencies and can also be co-stewarded by Tribes. When a national monument is designated, the agency (or agencies) responsible for the monument is usually directed to collect public input and consult with Tribes to develop a plan for how these lands should be managed. The Bureau of Land Management is responsible for the lands within the Chuckwalla National Monument.
HOW DOES CHUCKWALLA NATIONAL MONUMENT PROTECT PLACES THAT ARE ENJOYED FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION?
The lands within the monument offer many recreation opportunities. The monument includes places like Painted Canyon and Box Canyon in the Mecca Hills area, Corn Springs Campground, and the Bradshaw Trail. Already, these lands are beloved for hiking, camping, picnicking, stargazing, and driving off-highway vehicles. Permanently protecting these lands as a national monument ensures that these places are here for current and future generations to experience and enjoy these activities.
DO NATIONAL MONUMENT DESIGNATIONS BENEFIT THE ECONOMY?
Over 300 businesses and business groups called for Chuckwalla National Monument. Tourism in the region already brings $9 billion to the local economy. The monument creates an opportunity to attract more visitors and boost the local economy, particularly for businesses in “gateway” communities like Coachella, Mecca, and Thermal near the monument that do not currently have easy access to trails or nature for recreation nearby. According to research done by Visit Greater Palm Springs, three of the top five experiences that potential visitors are seeking include activities in nature and the outdoors.
HOW ARE TRIBES INVOLVED IN THIS EFFORT?
Tribes led the call to create Chuckwalla National Monument, including the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe, the Cahuilla Band of Indians, the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, the Colorado River Indian Tribes, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, and the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians.
WILL THIS AFFECT RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS?
The monument does not conflict with the development of renewable energy. The monument boundaries were also specifically drawn to avoid areas identified as suitable for renewable energy development, and the proposal garnered support from the renewable energy industry.